San Francisco's DA Brooke Jenkins slaps charges on Anell Medrano for an alleged attack that was racially motivated. The assault, which terrorized Polk and Vallejo Streets, sees Mr. Medrano facing the severe end of the law, charged with assault with a deadly weapon and a hate crime enhancement, as reported by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office X page. In what marks yet another chapter in the city's struggle with racially charged violence, Jenkins pronounced such hate-fueled incidents as "unacceptable," vowing zero tolerance on the city's streets.
1/ Today, District Attorney @BrookeJenkinsSF announced charges against Anell Medrano in connection to a hate crime attack on Polk & Vallejo Streets.
— SF DISTRICT ATTORNEY (@SFDAOffice) April 9, 2024
Mr. Medrano was arraigned on 4/1/24. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. pic.twitter.com/SntmspeydY
On the front lines of this legal battle is Medrano, who, on March 28, allegedly let loose a tirade laced with racial hatred while committing what prosecutors say was an assault. In response to the suspect pleading not guilty, prosecutors are clamoring for pre-trial detention, underscoring the "public safety risk he poses." The court's reply, a $50,000 bail, puts Mr. Medrano behind bars until his next appearance in the Hall of Justice on April 15.
In a discussion with The Standard via telephone, one of the victims recounted that while they were walking along Vallejo Street, Medrano targeted them with a racist outburst, stating, “Chinese are useless,” “Chinese are soft,” and “Go back to your country.”
The victim also shared a video where Medrano can be heard saying, “You wanna see me grab your ass?” following which he aggressively seized a backpack from one of their backs. He further shouted, “I will fuck you up.”
"Anti-Asian hate crimes are unacceptable, and these baseless attacks have absolutely no place on our streets in San Francisco," Jenkins told the press in a firm stance against such injustices.
While Mr. Medrano remains in custody, authorities emphasize that the investigation is far from over. The San Francisco Police Department, seeking more evidence. Tips can be anonymously sent in the form of a text to TIP411.
